The Bellerose Bargain by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online Page A

part of the bargain? It’s hard enough to look at you."
    "Then go," she insisted loudly.
    But he paid her no attention. He looked her over again, and again he grimaced. Why, she wondered, had he troubled to break into her room if he found her so unappetizing? Could he possibly be aware of her large sum? She wondered if she had worn her concern with keeping the money safe while eating in the common room, thereby alerting some thief that within the carefully guarded bundle of clothing there was wealth.
    And this, she quickly reasoned, was a successful thief, for he was well dressed and articulate. He certainly robbed and assaulted only rich people.
    "You’ll never do," he said, slurring his words and shaking his head again. "Can’t see how you’ll manage. No breeding whatever, dressed to slop hogs and empty chamber pots, and without washing for a score of years."
    Alicia stood a bit taller. She was not in dire need of bathing, though it had been a couple of days. She did not think she smelled. But then she remembered the odor that greeted her when she entered the room and reasoned that he mistook the stench for her. God above, she thought, do I worry over insults made against me by a thief?
    He took a few steps toward her, wobbling dangerously, and she edged along the wall to a safer distance. Catching her was going to be his problem, she could see that. His vision was not clear and his movements were disadvantaged by too much liquor. "Come here, wench," he barked.
    Alicia made a quick jump to the other side of the room, not having much difficulty dodging him. Again he advanced, the boyish grin adorning his face, and his eyes barely slits in his effort to clear his vision. Alicia stood still, waiting for him to get closer before quickly jumping away again. But this time the sodden assailant surprised her, making one deft and speedy lunge. He caught her in arms that were strong but clumsy with drink, and caused her to drop her bundle as she struggled to get away.
    "Be still, wench," he ordered. "Hold still so I can look at you. I can’t see you clearly."
    "Let go of me," she said through clenched teeth.
    "Now, how can we get to know each other if you fight me?" He let out a laugh that was not much more than a drunken giggle. "If you hold still I’ll let go," he offered.
    She stopped struggling suddenly and stood very still, nodding her head slightly. His arms dropped to his sides and she skittered out of his grasp immediately, dashing around the table, keeping that as the barrier between them.
    "Damn wench," he muttered, turning to locate his disappearing catch. "Don’t make me mad," he cautioned, his smile gone.
    "Don’t touch me or I’ll scream," she warned.
    "Scream," he told her. "And I’m sure the castle guard will come running. Now, behave or I’ll have to beat you."
    As he delivered this last threat he stumbled slightly, and she saw that he was so sodden that with luck she could outwit him; and though she feared his strength, she was more angry than afraid.
    "Lay one hand to me and I’ll kill you."
    "Kill me, eh? I see my work’s cut out. I’ll have to throw up your skirts and give your wretched arse a swat or two. Now come here."
    "Never. Get out."
    "Bitch," he mumbled, rubbing his neck and looking as though he’d forgotten what he entered her room for. "All right, have it your way...with a fight." He stumbled toward her and grasped the opposite side of the table, his eyes fully open now and fixing her with a glittering stare filled with determination. Alicia’s mouth opened slightly and once again she feared him. As he made to pull the table from between them, she grabbed the pitcher by the handle, and with no aforethought, she reached over the short distance between them and laid her mightiest blow to his head. The crockery gave way immediately, crashing to the floor all about him.
    His eyes grew round and shocked just before they gently closed and he melted to the floor in a heap. She stared at him for